Traore, 24, has informed the club in recent days and it’s believed he will pursue a career overseas, despite getting his Australian citizenship a month ago.

Victory was optimistically planning for life with Ivorian-born Traore, with his citizenship opening up another visa spot, but he rejected the club’s new multi-year offer.

However it’s believed rival A-League clubs will attempt to scupper Traore’s plans to move abroad, tempting him with offers in excess of $200,000-a-year.

It’s believed Traore’s Socceroos ineligibility _ due to him playing an African Under 21 qualifying match with Ivory Coast _ played a part in his decision to quit Victory.

With James Troisi and Tom Rogic set to return to parent clubs Atalanta and Celtic respectively, Victory is now nervously awaiting an answer from Brazilian Gui Finkler.

Victory has tabled a new and improved two-year offer to the attacking midfielder, but at least two other clubs are interested, including Sydney FC who are looking for an Alessandro Del Piero replacement.

Traore’s offer was also understood to be well above the $180,000-a-year deal he signed when joining from Gold Coast United two years ago.

Traore was immense in his 43 Victory appearances and demonstrated his versatility this season by filling it at centre-back on occasions.

He along with Troisi will be favourites to take out Friday’s best and fairest.